<p>Hi, I have been researching different ways to pay for college and I came across the idea of joining a ROTC program in the college I get accepted to. Would they pay for all my costs, including tuition, room and board, books, and everything else? Because on the army's website they state it depends on the scholarships you receive? However, if I know my family is going to have an EFC of 0, would it still be wise for me to join a ROTC program, or just go to a college that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, and accept the amount of loans they offer?</p>
<p>Can someone please answer this question? I would like to know about ROTC as well since one of my close friends chose ROTC as an option.</p>
<p>bump. . . . I could use some advice por favor</p>
<p>I know that at Niagara University and SUNY Buffalo that if you do ROTC you get a free ride and they pay you, usually its the same for most colleges but some only pay tuition fees while paying you, or some only pay room and board fees. In return you have to spend 8 years in the military, 4 in reserve(which is when your in college) and 4 year active(This is when you actually might go to war)
I’m not positive about this but am pretty sure this is right.</p>
<p>Well what are the different scholarships and what are the ideal grades and test scores to get a full-ride? I am planning on attending a cali college, which colleges in California have the best perks for future Army officers?</p>
<p>Just a check here, what is your primary reason for wanting to go ROTC?</p>
<p>If it is primarily for money–probably a poor decision.
If the money is a plus, but serving in the Army is the primary reason–probably a great choice.</p>
<p>For easing the college costs and further my career advancement into the US Marshals or a similar fed agency.</p>
<p>That is dangerous ground, IMO.<br>
Being an officer in the military is a big committment. Yes, many use it as a stepping stone quite successfully, but be very careful. We are a military at war, and NEED people willing to give 100%.</p>
<p>If that’s you great. If not, please consider very carefully.</p>
<p>ROTC scholarships pay for tuition,fees,books,uniforms, plus a monthly stipend.
ROTC does not pay room/board. The majority of schools don’t offer room/board scholarships. You may find some who do but most do not.</p>
<p>ROTC is a lot of work/time committment. Do you enjoy running and calisthenics done in predawn hours (no matter the weather) at least twice a week? Would you mind wearing a uniform to class once a week? Are you prepared to take an extra 3 hr. credit class every semester in addition to your reg. courseload? </p>
<p>You should not consider ROTC unless you truly aspire to be a military officer otherwise you will hate it and be miserable. You will owe 4 years of active duty upon college graduation/commissioning followed by four years of reserve duty. </p>
<p>If you are a rising senior and truly want this, you should be working on your scholarship application now</p>
<p>Alright thanks for all your help, however, I would be joining ROTC mainly for the money for college. If I know I have an EFC of 0 should I rely on colleges giving me need based aid or join ROTC? Thanks for your help .</p>
<p>torjanman10101 -
you would not be the first person to join ROTC to get money for college. It is important to go in eyes wide open and know what commitment you are getting into.
Additionally - realize that you must pass both a physical and a physical fitness test, additionally you also must meet height/weight requirements. </p>
<p>If you have an EFC of 0, then the Army would pay for your tuition, fees, books and give you a small stipend. The stipend begins at $300/month the first year and grows to $500/month the final year.
Some colleges and Army Battalions have programs to help students with room and board. Otherwise it’s on you - which at $12,000/year can be daunting.
You may use Federal financial aid to pay the bill, including grants and loans.</p>
<p>You should go here:
[GoArmy.com</a> > Army ROTC > Overview](<a href=“http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/index.jsp]GoArmy.com”>http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/index.jsp)</p>
<p>Read the site thoroughly and carefully. You can look up your intended college and see if it has Army ROTC.</p>
<p>AF and Navy run their own programs. You can visit their websites for information about schools, etc.</p>
<p>Joining the ROTC program because of the money isn’t a bad thing: that’s why they are providing the benefits in the first place. What you have to think as well is whether or not you truly want to serve in the military for 4-6 years because if you have no aspirations to serve, become an officer, or take on extra responsibilities both during your college years and after, you will be miserable, waking up every PT day with the first thought being “why the hell am I doing this?”</p>
<p>You can try out the ROTC program for the first two years and quit anytime you like within those years. However, you can only get the financial benefits if you contract yourself to service.</p>
<p>However, if you do want to serve, it’s a brilliant program and the fact that I get paid for it is sweeter.</p>
<p>Also you should know that Navy and Air Force have more restrictions as to what you major in. Navy now wants 85% of scholarship recipients to major in “hard sciences” like engineering,physics,etc. I believe Air Force is looking for something similar but don’t know the percentages. Army and Marines can major in whatever they choose.</p>
<p>Alright thanks guys I think I might just rely on my financial package to pay for my college.</p>